Progress is reported for a Baseline Gas Turbine Development Program sponsored by the Heat Engine Systems Branch, Division of Transportation Energy Conservation (TEC) of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA). Structurally, this program is made up of three parts: (1) documentation of the existing automotive gas turbine state-of-the-art; (2) conduction of an extensive component improvement program; and (3) utilization of the improvements in the design, and building of an Upgraded Engine capable of demonstrating program goals.

We have consistently demonstrated viral like particles in mitogen stimulated lymphocyte cultures from leukemic cows and cows with a persistent lymphocytosis. Our electron microscopic studies of these particles have shown them to be similar to the known oncogenic RNA viruses in size, plasma membrane budding, and in their C-type morphology. We have concentrated these bovine C-type particles approximately 1,000 fold by continuous flow ultracentrifugation. Our investigations employing these concentrated particles have indicated that they are RNA containing, possess an RNA directed DNA polymerase, and band in a sucrose density gradient at a density of 1.17 gm/cm/sup 3/. The goal of our current study is to conclusively prove the viral etiology of bovine leukemia.

Applications of 10 to 40 ppM chlorine were ineffective in control of Asiatic clams that had colonized the suction well of a cooling water pump for one of the Savannah River production reactors. Accumulated mud on the floors and walls of the basin protected large numbers of clams from lethal chlorine exposures. After clams were removed from chlorine exposures of 9, 17, 25, and 54 hours, respective survivals after seven days in a recovery chamber were 97 percent, 84 percent, 47 percent, and 10 percent. Of the clams that were protected by mud during the entire test (54 hours), 65 percent were alive after seven days in the recovery chamber. (auth)

The possibility of leakage in the geothermal-brine steam-separator drums made of carbon steel and clad with 316L stainless steel is discussed. Although the brine source is reducing, ingestion of some oxygen into the system is likely. Such ingestion must be carefully monitored, for in the presence of chlorides, even trace quantities of O/sub 2/ (less than 1 ppM) can cause stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless steels. An example is given of intergranular corrosion in 304 stainless steel exposed to brine from Sinclair No. 4 well located in the Salton Sea area. Measures to prevent SCC are suggested. The new grades of stainless steels are described that appear to be less susceptible to SCC in chlorides than are the more conventional austenitic grades.

This report discusses the sizable growth during the last 44 years in both the numbers and significance of federal statutes providing for congressional review, deferral, approval or disapproval of proposed executive actions.

During the reporting period covering July 1 to September 30, 1975, dielectric strength measurements were carried out in liquid helium under both ac and dc field conditions, using point-to-plane electrode geometry.

The experimental technique for irradiating Nb, Mo, V, and SrCl/sub 2/ samples is outlined. No test results are given. (MOW)

The techniques of linear-elastic fracture mechanics were used to characterize the effect of temperature upon the fatigue-crack growth behavior of A-286 steel in an air environment over the temperature range of 75--1000$sup 0$F. In general, the fatigue-crack growth rate increased with increasing temperature. Two material forms were tested: 0.5 inch-thick strip material and 1.5 inch- diameter bar. Two different crack orientations were tested in each product form. In general, no significant differences in crack growth behavior were noted between product forms nor between the different crack orientations. (auth)

As in our earlier work on the sensitized photooxidation of substituted phenylalanines, ring substituents were found to have a marked effect on the photooxidation of uracil. This compound was selected as a typical pyrimidine for detailed studies of the mechanism of photooxidation of molecules of biological importance. The photooxidation of a series of 5-substituted uracils as sensitized by eosin Y, ruthenium bipyridyl, 3-methyl-lumiflavin and methylene blue was studied using oxygen electrode and flash photolysis techniques. Different substituents had very different effects on the rates of photooxidation with a given dye, and some substituents could shift the mechanism from a singlet oxygen pathway to an electron abstraction pathway (or vice versa). A study of the effects of porphyrin structure in relation to photosensitizing characteristics was completed. An examination of the localized selective photooxidation of amino acids in the vicinity of the heme binding site of horseradish peroxidase was made using specifically-bound protoporphyrin IX and other porphyrins as sensitizers. Preliminary studies were carried out on the use of sensitized photooxidation as a tool to study the contribution of histidine-containing crosslinks to the mechanical-thermal properties of mammalian tendon as well as the role of membrane properties in determining the rate and direction of …

A series of tests was run on influent to the waste treatment facility, using various polyelectrolytes and organic polymeric coagulant aids. The influent wastewater originates in chemical process areas, janitorial sinks, process-area locker room showers, floor drains, and from the laundry. Previous tests on this waste had shown that Fe{sup +3} and Ca{sup +2} at pH 11.3 gave improved product quality. However, a suitable coagulant aid for use at high pH`s was needed to obtain a rapid settling rate in the flocculation/sedimentation process. Results of the tests showed that Nalco-C627 gave a good decontamination factor while yielding rapid settling rates. Betz-1175 gave the best decontamination factors; however, its settling rate needs to be improved. Test results revealed decontamination was greater at pH 11.3 than at pH 10.1. It is recommended at this time, that Nalco-C627 be used with the Fe{sup +3}, Ca{sup +2} high pH system, and that further tests be performed on the Betz-1175.

The Laboratory for Nuclear Science has continued its study into the feasibility of networks, changing the focus of the investigation from the possible ways of collaborating with the MIT Information Processing Center in implementing a connection to the ARPA net to a wider consideration of the implications of computer resource sharing via networks. This report describes experiments performed on the ARPA net in collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and experiments in more conventional forms of remote job entry to that site and others in ERDA. It discusses the use of the Multics mail as set up for ERDA, comparing it to other mail systems. Plans for future experiments in the ARPA net and for investigation of networks other than the ARPA net are proposed. The conclusion was reached that resource sharing via networks is both feasible and desirable provided certain interface problems are solved. Recommendations are made for more investigation into the human factors involved in network use, methods of providing consulting help to users, and determination of the most cost effective use of remote resource sharing. For the Laboratory for Nuclear Science, it is concluded that access to other ERDA computers via networks will meet some of our …

Development studies to date indicate that the HTGR fuel blocks can be effectively crushed with two stages of eccentric jaw crushing, followed by a double-roll crusher, a screener and an eccentrically mounted single-roll crusher for oversize particles. Burner development results indicate successful long-term operation of both the primary and secondary fluidized-bed combustion systems can be performed with the equipment developed in this program. Aqueous separation development activities have centered on adapting known Acid-Thorex processing technology to the HTGR reprocessing task. Significant progress has been made on dissolution of burner ash, solvent extraction feed preparation, slurry transfer, solids drying and solvent extraction equipment and flowsheet requirements.

The increasing importance of Nd glass lasers in laser fusion technology has emphasized the inadequacy in the understanding of the optical properties of rare earth ions in glasses. Indeed, it has been difficult to generate models for the performance of these devices, and the selection of host glasses could be done by little more than a trial-and-error approach. The technique of laser-induced fluorescence line-narrowing developed within the last few years provides a new and powerful tool for the study of these systems. In this technique, a laser excites within the inhomogeneously broadened absorption bands a selected subgroup of the ions in the system, namely those whose absorption energy is resonant with the laser. If the excitation does not migrate among the entire collection of ions prior to fluorescence, the fluorescence that is observed is only from the group that was excited and is narrowed. This permits the selective study of classes of ion sites within the ensemble. The concept is indicated schematically. By the use of a tunable laser, such as a dye laser, it is possible to vary the class of sites, defined by energy, that is excited and thereby study the important spectroscopic properties and their variations, unclouded …

The following aspects of HTGR reprocessing technology are discussed: characteristics of HTGR fuels, criteria for a fuel reprocessing flowsheet; selection of a reference reprocessing flowsheet, and waste treatment. (LK)

During operation of the prototype FFTF sodium pump, it is necessary to know the position of the pump shaft relative to the sodium-lubricated hydrostatic bearing journals. Performance of the Kaman proximity measurement system was known to be affected by the type of media between the gap to be measured. Since Kaman Sciences Corp. did not have liquid sodium testing capabilities, LMEC was requested to evaluate a spare prototype system. Determination of the sodium performance characteristics of the Kaman proximity systems was a necessary requisite for use of four prototype systems in the FFTF prototype pump test program.

The kinetics of the Li electrode in LiOH(aq) was investigated. Electrode polarization was measured by voltammetric techniques. Graphs show the following results: anodic limiting current density increases with flow rate; limiting current density depends on flow rate and bulk electrolyte concentration; and electrode resistance is weakly dependent on flow rate. An intuitive model of mass transport-limited dissolution appears to be substantiated. The following tentative conclusions were reached: an upper limit to the rate of discharge of a lithium--water battery anode will be set by the mass transfer limitations of the flow system, and not by the kinetics of the charge transport within any microscopic surface films on the anode; the resistance of the anode surface film in the linear polarization region is quite low and essentially independent of flow rate; the plane parallel electrode geometry results in as low an electrode resistance as any so far investigated and should be considered for automotive battery design. 3 figures. (RWR)

Experiences of Aerojet Nuclear Company (ANC), in the development and implementation of a system safety program for ANC and for the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) are discussed. Aerojet Nuclear is the prime operating contractor for ERDA, formerly AEC, at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The ERDA sponsored ''MORT'' system safety program is described along with the process whereby formal system safety methods are incorporated into a stable organization. Specifically, a discussion is given of initial development of MORT; pilot program trials conducted at ANC; implementation methodology; and reaction of the ANC organization. (auth)

In August, 1968, President Johnson announced that the people of Bikini Atoll would be able to return to their homeland. Thereafter, similar approval was given for the return of the peoples of Enewetak. These two regions, which comprised the Pacific Nuclear Testing Areas from 1946 to 1958, will probably be repopulated by the original inhabitants and their families within the next year. As part of its continuing responsibility to insure the public health and safety in connection with the nuclear programs under its sponsorship, ERDA (formerly AEC) has contracted Brookhaven National Laboratory to establish radiological safety and environmental monitoring programs for the returning Bikini and Enewetak peoples. These programs are described in the following paper. They are designed to define the external radiation environment, assess radiation doses from internal emitters in the human food chain, make long range predictions of total doses and dose commitments to individuals and to each population group, and to suggest actions which will minimize doses via the more significant pathways. (auth)

Experimental nuclear physics is reviewed. Included are electron scattering, photon reactions, correlations in nuclei, positrons, neutrons, and mesons in nuclear physics. (JFP)

The work reported in this progress report is focused on determining the proper scope of a regional assessment study program suitable for BER/ERDA. Within the tentative scope selected, a tentative set of purposes, goals, and objectives is identified for a preliminary specification of a geographical region. The initial specification of the region includes the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The tentative scope of considerations for the regional assessment study program encompasses the interacting facets of environment, energy, and economic well-being of the region with the overarching goal of reconciling these facets within the decision framework of the region. (auth)

None

This work is a continuation of the recoil study of radioactive products from the proton bombardment of Al. Recoil properties of $sup 11$C and $sup 18$F are reported for proton energies of 1, 3, 6, and 11.5 GeV. Values of 2W(F+B) are tabulated and plotted. 2 figures, 4 tables (RWR)

The available experimental evidence from laboratory and reactor studies pertaining to tritium production, capture, release, and transport within an HTGR leading to release to the environment is reviewed. Possible mechanisms for release, capture, and transport are considered and a simple model was used to calculate the expected tritium release from HTGRs. Comparison with Federal regulations governing tritium release confirm that expected HTGR releases will be well within the allowable release limits. Releases from HTGRs are expected to be somewhat less than from LWRs based on the published LWR operating data. Areas of research deserving further study are defined but it is concluded that a tritium surveillance at Fort St. Vrain is the most immediate need.

The Safety Analysis Report for Packaging (SARP) satisfies the request of the U. S. Energy Research and Development Administration for a formal safety analysis of the two insulated drum shipping containers identified as USA/5790/BLF ERDA-AL and USA/5791/BLF ERDA-AL. Discussions of structural integrity, thermal resistance, radiation shielding and radiological safety, nuclear criticality safety, and quality control are included. Much of the information was previously submitted to ERDA/OSD/ALO and the Department of Transportation (DOT) and provided the basis for obtaining special permits DOT-SP-5790 and DOT-SP-5791 as well as the Interim Certificates of Compliance until the SARP could be prepared. Complete physical and technical descriptions of the packages are presented. Each package consists of a modified DOT Specification 2R cylindrical steel inner container centered within an insulated steel drum. The contents may be any radioactive materials which satisfy the requirements established in this SARP. A shipment of Plutonium-238 in the form of a solid oxide is evaluated in this SARP as an example. The results of the nuclear criticality safety analysis show how much of the fissile isotopes may be shipped as Fissile Class I, II, or III for each container. Design and development considerations, the test and evaluations required to prove the …